SAGINAW, Mich. — Following nearly four hours of testimony, the Saginaw city council on Monday voted to postpone consideration of a proposed human rights ordinance indefinitely.

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Mayor Pro Tem Amos O’Neal proposed a motion to delay consideration of the measure, saying city leaders should take the time to meet with landlords, business leaders and leaders of the faith-based community, reports the Saginaw News.

“This is a very important issue to the community,” said O’Neal. “I think it would be premature to do it without allowing ample opportunity to bring these parties together.”

The council approved the motion by a vote of 7-2.

Council member Annie Boensch, who led the effort to bring the ordinance to the table, fought vigorously against postponement.

“I do not know what we were supposed to be doing the last two weeks,” she said, expressing concern that postponing the measure was an attempt to stop its progress. She noted that city attorneys were present Monday to answer questions from the council.

“We have the people sitting here that can answer those questions,” she said. “But by making the motion you shut down that conversation.”